Many of us live with health issues or medical conditions that are an intrinsic part of who we are -- conditions we deal with day in day out, often for life. And there will come a time when we need to discuss a potentially sensitive health issue with a new partner.

When to Raise the Issue

There are no clear-cut guidelines other than your own common sense when it comes to choosing an appropriate time to discuss your health concerns. Timeliness is essential and you should consider the stage you are at with your relationship and the level of trust you currently share with your partner.

"I went through menopause very early at 25," says Tamara, "and as a result, I can't have children. It's a big issue for me and definitely something I feel the need to share with a prospective partner before things get too serious, usually after we've been seeing each other a few months," she says.

Let's Talk About Sex

Medical conditions and illnesses that relate to sex or physical intimacy are best discussed early in a relationship. "If it's something that might affect your sexual relationship or other elements of your developing relationship, then I think it's important that that be discussed earlier rather than later," says Anne Hollonds, CEO of Relationships Australia, one of Australia's largest community-based organizations providing relationship support.

Having a sexually transmitted infection is something that responsible, mature adults need to discuss early in a relationship -- well before any physical intimacy occurs. The stigma associated with STIs often prevents people from revealing their health status and thus putting their new partner at risk of infection.

Something More Serious

If you have a serious medical condition, illnesses or disability, choosing your time wisely is essential. In some cases, it is inappropriate to raise the issue too soon.

"For example, if you're infertile -- and you know that -- it might not be the sort of thing you mention on the first date but it might be something that you feel is important to be said before the relationship develops a lot further, because that can be quite a surprise to the other person," says Hollonds.

"It's easier to say these things before there's too much emotional involvement. The longer you hold onto this information -- and the more emotionally connected you become -- it gets harder somehow, paradoxically," she adds.